Montée Internationale du Poupet

The Montée du Poupet: a mythical race since 1985

Created in 1985, the Montée Internationale du Poupet is one of the oldest and most prestigious mountain races in the Jura. Organized by the Entente Jura Centre Athlétisme (EJCA), this foot race takes hundreds of runners every year from the spa town of Salins-les-Bains to the summit of Mont Poupet, a natural viewpoint culminating at 853 meters altitude and offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and Mont Blanc massif.

A demanding course through the Jura mountains

The main event, the Montée du Poupet, is a 17.5 km course with 666 meters of positive elevation gain and 259 meters of negative elevation gain. The start is given from the Place des Salines at 10:00 AM, and runners set off through the streets of Salins-les-Bains before joining the mountain paths that wind through the pastures and forests of the Poupet massif.

Three race formats

• La Montée du Poupet (17.5 km, 666 m D+) : the premier event, ranked among international races
• Le Petit Poupet (7.5 km, 388 m D+) : an accessible format reserved for cadets and runners wanting a shorter course
• The Hike (10 km) : an un waktimed walk to enjoy the Poupet landscapes at your own pace

An international event

Ranked among international races, the Montée du Poupet attracts participants from over twelve nations each year, representing 11 regions and 48 French departments. With over 40 editions to its name, the event has built a solid reputation in the world of mountain running, attracting both top-level athletes and passionate amateurs.

Mont Poupet, Jura's viewpoint

Mont Poupet is one of the most emblematic natural sites in the Jura. From its summit, accessible by race or hike, the panorama extends over the Saône plain, the Vosges, the Black Forest, the Alps, and Mont Blanc. This natural viewpoint is also renowned for paragliding and hang gliding, and its calcareous lawns host remarkable flora.

Salins-les-Bains, starting town

The race starts from the Place des Salines, in the heart of Salins-les-Bains, a spa town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Grande Saline. This exceptional heritage setting adds a cultural dimension to the sporting event. The 2025 edition saw 659 finishers in the main event.